Hockey board approves indoor training facility

By Anna Jauhola
Hockey players will soon have the opportunity for more intense training on and off the ice.
This spring, the Hallock Youth Hockey board approved constructing a dryland training facility specifically geared toward hockey skills improvement. Building could begin as early as this summer.
“One of the goals for our program moving forward will be to use this space for extra practice, extra skill development and just time for kids when we don’t have ice time available,” said Robert Carr, who served as head varsity coach for 10 years, also serves on the youth hockey board. “It’s for them to continue to work on shooting, stick handling and strength training.”
The 60×40 foot building will be constructed west of the Hallock Ice Arena and north of the tennis courts.
There is also the option of adding a locker room that will double as a warming room, should the board receive a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant to build an outdoor rink. The board applied for the grant earlier this spring and should hear whether they received the 50/50 matching grant by early July. Should they receive the grant, the outdoor facility will measure 100×50 feet, and sit to the west of the training facility.
The youth hockey board has discussed building a training facility for at least three years.
“I’ve been a big proponent of trying to get this done because I feel like our hockey program will benefit from this facility,” Carr said. “From the young kids all the way through the high school program.”
The Hallock Youth Hockey program has been allocating money for the building, along with the Bearcat Booster Club. Plus, many people and businesses have contributed generous donations to help make it a reality.
Board member Brett Sobolik has spearheaded speaking with businesses to sponsor not only this project, but other capital projects the board has been working on.
“Our last hurdle was the Zamboni we purchased,” Carr said. “Now we’re trying to move on to some future plans as well.”